Newsletter Subscription

Sunday, December 1, 2013

CHRISTMAS MANTEL

Christmas Decor-Bargain Decorating with Laurie

Last week, there were pilgrims on our mantel.  Now, my Fontanini nativity set is on the mantel.  I always say that I seldom change where my Christmas décor is placed.  This nativity set is always the centerpiece of our Christmas mantel in our family room.

Christmas Decor-Bargain Decorating with Laurie

For those of you who were reading my blog four or five years ago, I apologize for the repeat of this story.  This may be the first time someone has read about this set, so I’m going to tell it again.  I was looking at tablecloths, hanging in a closet, at an estate sale. 

Christmas-Bargain Decorating with Laurie

I spotted a box on the top shelf of the closet.  Writing on the box made me think it was a Christmas decoration, so I asked someone to get the box down for me.  I found this Italian Fontanini set of nativity figures inside the box.

Christmas Decor-Bargain Decorating with Laurie

Nobody from the estate sale company had looked inside the box, so it wasn’t priced. I took it to a salesperson and asked the price.  After glancing inside, she asked if I’d pay $15.00.

Christmas-Bargain Decorating with Laurie

As calmly as I could, I shook my head and told her, yes, I think I will.  I had previously purchased the manger backdrop at a garage sale for $5.00.

Christmas Decor-Bargain Decorating with Laurie

The angels on the lamps are also Italian.  I purchased them at another estate sale for $5.00 each.

Christmas Decor-Bargain Decorating with Laurie

 

Christmas Decor-Bargain Decorating with Laurie

This wooden angel, with painted flowers, belonged to my mother-in-law.

Christmas Decor-Bargain Decorating with Laurie

The angel with a blue skirt was a gift.

Christmas Decor-Bargain Decorating with Laurie

These really are pictures of our current mantel, although I know it looks very similar to our Christmas mantel for the past six or eight years.  Thank you for coming to see our Christmas mantel repeat.  laurie

I’m linking to Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch, Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life, The Scoop at Confessions of a Plate Addict, Open House Thursday at No Minimalist Here, and Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper.

11 comments:

Terra said...

That nativity set is exquisitely beautiful. Wow, and how you found it at the sale, amazing. I saw a set in a store and marveled at the beauty, it was terrifically expensive. So you are very blessed. One thing that is fun to do is to put the wise men and shepherds farther away (across the room) and move them closer as the day nears.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

That looks just gorgeous Laurie! And you got it at a estate sale for that price...wow, I might have pee pee my pants out of excitement!
Hugs,
Cindy

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Laurie, your mantel is gorgeous. I love how you have displayed the nativity. You found a treasure at the sale for sure. It was meant to be I think because it is perfect on your mantel. Have a great Monday my friend.
Hugs!

lynne said...

Well, it's my first time seeing it and it's beautiful! What a find with your nativity scene, I love that sort of "overlook" by folks in charge!

ellen b. said...

Glad you told the story again. That really was one amazing deal you got. I'm putting up my nativity sets today. Blessings!

Donna Wilkes said...

I love pieces with history behind them. My favorite angel is the Santos with the blue skirt. Beautiful collection. there is nothing wrong with traditions for the family.

Angelina at Petite Haus said...

This is the first time I read the story... Glad you shared it. It's such a great estate sale find!

Anonymous said...

Hi Laurie! Oh, I love your story and what a blessing to get this wonderful Nativity! I have a small Fontanini set. I love the Nativity on your mantel and you've decorated it just perfectly. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh Laurie, I love your Nativity and it is such a thrill to see it again this year. Such a magnificent scene. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

Babs said...

I LOVE your Fontanini nativity...and what a find! You were meant to have it. It's gorgeous and perfect for your mantel. Love your angels, too.

Unknown said...

Your nativity set is wonderful. I had forgotten the story of how you came to own it. When we married, we were given the set that my hubby and his parents had collected even before he was born. Someone in the community had made some lovely little handmade pieces. She had dated them from 1951 snd sold them at the village Christmas bazaar. The Holy Family and a few sheep were from that collection. The other pieces were the dime store versions. Our children pretty much decimated them. Some of those poor animals had been glued back together many times, so we bit the bullet and bought a new set of figures. The stable is made from an old wine box. The most odd thing is that because my hubby was born in New England where they actually had white Christmas, we lay a blanket of angel hair under the stable and over the top of the stable because he and his parents were used to a snowy Christmas.